Night of triumph for Seaton’s Voice

WITH its town hall lease finally signed – and £30,000 funding handed over – Seaton’s Voice has plenty to shout about this week.

Jubilant members of the community group left Monday’s packed town council meeting with everything on their shopping list, although not before a bit of a scrap.

Deputy Chairman Graham Jones led opposition to releasing money set aside for the group last year.

He claimed they had failed to meet the list of conditions – especially by not having the detailed list of how they planned to spend the £30,000 ratified by the full town council.

“We don’t know what this money is being spent on,” he said. “We need an itemisation of it.”

Councillor John Meakin was also concerned, adding: “The public have a right to know how their money is being spent.”

And Councillor Sophie O’Connell expressed her worries that the group had altered its business plan since its first applied for the cash aid – and its itemised list was out of date.

But town clerk David Mears assured the council that Seaton’s Voice had met all the requirements set down by the council – including having a lease signed by Town Hall landlords, East Devon District Council.

Voice spokeswoman Carol Manley said they had done everything required of them. The money would be used for computer equipment for the hall as previously outlined.

“We have met every condition set by this council,” she said.

“Seaton’s Voice has worked with the town council to try and support this community as best it can. Councillors have had six months to ask for more itemised information.”

In a night of triumph for Seaton’s Voice the council also agreed to provide them with a further £6,656 to help them provide two youth evenings a week in the hall.

Fairtrade Fortnight – the annual event to promote Fairtrade products – is now on in Exmouth. It runs until Sunday, March 8, and includes discounts in some shops and a visit from a Kenyan tea grower. Samples of Fairtrade products will also be in the town centre later in March.